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James P. Breen
Breen and Company

The Nominator: Laura Steinbrink, Humanity`s Loom, LLC

How has the nominee implemented sustainable business practices in his or her business or organization and what are the triple bottom line benefits (people, planet, prosperity) of the nominee`s work?
When Breen & Company`s IMG Center, an iconic building at the corner of E. 9th and Superior, receives its EBOM certification, it will be the first LEED certified privately owned commercial office building in downtown Cleveland. And if that weren`t enough, the solar array on the roof, and outdoor dining upon a sustainable-material deck will be open in the spring. Its new tenants, whose space exceeds the 2% minimum for LEED-CI certification, benefit from lease-hold improvements that achieve LEED-CI certification. Two are currently pending. That`s not enough, however. Breen and Company has implemented a full-building education campaign, providing information about sustainable business operations in its newsletter. It opens its building to sustainable organizations for meetings. Additionally, the organization uses its iconic building as a pacesetter for other privately held buildings, intending to push its peers to achieve more sustainable operations.

How has the nominee inspired you to implement sustainable business practices?
On a given day, one can find reports of Breen & Company on its Twitter handle, @BreenIsGreen. Whether they are reporting notes about their 2009 achievement of Energy Star 89, or reporting the type of toilet upgrades going on within the building, Breen & Company seeks to share its knowledge with industry peers. Breen & Company is a co-leader in the NEO|USGBC "Downtown Green Building Blitz," which seeks to increase focus on sustainable building operations among downtown property owners.

How can someone else translate the success of the nominee? Is the work of the nominee an example or model that others can follow?
The Cleveland commercial real estate market is just discovering the opportunity of sustainable operations in their facilities. Breen & Company is a leader, and is definitely inspiring others to act. We estimate that while Breen & Company should bake in its glory of being the first privately-held downtown EBOM-certified office, it will not hold that banner for long. And, it shouldn`t! With over 85% occupancy, many buildings are envious of its success.

How does the nominee actively participate in the sustainability community? How do they collaborate and share their knowledge with others?
Converting an existing large-scale office building from "regular" to "green" isn`t easy. It requires thoughtful planning and vendor engagement. Setting goals and asking for innovative ways to achieve are key. Realizing that while some costs may be required to achieve success, they will have meaningful pay-backs. And, those that don`t just yet - can wait. Nothing is a deal breaker. The key to taking the leap is having determination and resolve. USGBC says it takes 18-24 months to complete an EBOM certification. There is a reason it takes time - if it went faster, it would be fake. Rewriting contracts, policy and procedure takes time. But, the payoffs are tremendous for all involved.